The greatest centres are players who combine strength, agility, and intelligence to create magic on the field.
These athletes can unlock defences with slick passing, bone-crunching tackles, and dazzling runs. The centre is often the heartbeat of a team, linking the forwards and the backs.
From World Cup winners to record breakers, here are the top 10 centres in rugby history, ranked not just by their accolades, but by their lasting impact on the game.
Or join our daily Newsletter here!
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
10 Greatest Centres in Rugby History [Ranked]
10. Yannick Jauzion (France)
A key figure in French rugby during the 2000s, Jauzion was known for his intelligence, powerful running, and exceptional ability to break the gain line. He was integral to France's Six Nations successes, especially during their Grand Slam wins in 2002 and 2004.
9. Frank Bunce (New Zealand)
Bunce was a key member of the All Blacks' midfield in the 1990s. Known for his strong defensive game and ability to make critical breaks, he played a vital role in New Zealand’s success during his era, including at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
8. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
Smith’s partnership with Ma’a Nonu was legendary, and his rugby intelligence and positioning were second to none. Often dubbed “the Professor,” Smith’s calm decision-making and ability to organise the defense made him an essential part of the All Blacks’ backline during their dominance in the 2010s.
7. Danie Gerber (South Africa)
Danie Gerber is often regarded as one of the most gifted centres in rugby history. His explosive pace, strength, and elusive running made him a constant threat in the 1980s. Despite playing during South Africa's isolation period, Gerber still amassed an impressive try-scoring record and is remembered for his sheer brilliance on the field.
6. Jeremy Guscott (England)
A player known for his grace and elegance on the field, Guscott’s silky skills, quick footwork, and ability to unlock defences made him a standout in the English midfield. His memorable drop goal to win the 1997 Lions series against South Africa is just one example of his coolness under pressure.
5. Jean de Villiers (South Africa)
A player who combined power, leadership, and deft handling, Jean de Villiers captained South Africa with distinction. His ability to read the game, strong defence, and skill at creating opportunities for others made him one of the best centres of his generation. Nigel Owens ranked the centre among the greatest captains he refereed.
4. Philippe Sella (France)
One of the all-time greats, Sella is revered for his longevity, playing in three Rugby World Cups, and his incredible ability to find space and score tries. Sella’s creativity, combined with his athleticism, made him a nightmare for defenses during the 1980s and 1990s.
3. Tim Horan (Australia)
Horan was a critical player in Australia’s golden era, playing a major role in their 1991 and 1999 World Cup victories. Known for his all-around game, which combined pace, strength, and vision, Horan was one of the most complete centres in rugby history.
2. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
A powerhouse centre, Nonu was known for his physicality, explosive runs, and offloading ability. His versatility and durability were key to New Zealand’s World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015. Nonu’s skillset, including his unique ability to break through defenses, puts him in the upper echelon of all-time great centres.
1. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
O'Driscoll is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His incredible vision, footwork, and leadership skills defined Irish rugby for over a decade. With 141 caps and countless iconic moments, O'Driscoll’s ability to dominate the midfield, both offensively and defensively, sets him apart as the best centre in rugby history.
BRIAN O'DRISCOLL NAMES HIS TOUGHEST OPPONENT:
Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, including one with the Six Nations website, here are his top five opponents:
5. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
Known initially more for his braided hair and eyeliner, he added passing and kicking to his raw line-breaking power to become one of the great centres, capping his Test career with that superb World Cup final try.
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Same height as me [5-foot-11] and still 16-stone. Probably the most complete centre in the modern game."
4. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
Nicknamed The Snake because of his ability to slither through the smallest of gaps and strike with a sudden burst of speed. Brought fluidity to the All Blacks midfield with his intelligent passing and vision.
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: “I thought Conrad Smith was always one of the really difficult ones. He was nicknamed ‘Snake’ I think because of his hips and it doesn’t look like he’s going that fast but jeez, he can travel."
3. Richard Hill (England)
The ultimate players’ player. Did all the unseen, grafting work and just got on with his job in unassuming fashion, putting his body on the line. Able to excel right across the back row, he was a pivotal figure on two Lions trips and an England World Cup winner.
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Richard Hill, England No.6 that won the World Cup in 2003. He was a brilliant teammate but he made that team tick, he was the unsung hero in that world cup win. He was hard! I always liked playing with guys that were nails in the team, that really stood up and never took a backwards step."
2. Yannick Jauzion (France)
The 73-cap France international was a member of the Toulouse team that reached the Heineken Cup final in 2003, 2004 and 2005, winning in 2003 and 2005. The centre was named as the man of the match in the 2005 Heineken Cup Final as Toulouse defeated Stade Français.
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Jauzion was just incredible and was so hard to stop, with his offloading ability. France built so much off and around him. 6-foot-4 and probably 17-stone."
1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
WIlkinson garnered 1,246 during his 97 caps for England and the Lions. His finest hour, of course, came in 2003, when he slotted the drop goal that won the World Cup.
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: “Even to just get a snapshot of what his mind works like now and how he thinks about things is pretty eye-opening as to what sort of detail he went into as a player,”
“He’s an out-and-out perfectionist, he just needs that 10 out of 10. I don’t think you ever achieve it and I think he beats himself up about it, but he got pretty close to 10 a lot of times.”
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading